Transfer latest. Sunday night update.

Last updated : 06 July 2003 By Michael Morris
There's been very little change in the past few days on the transfer situation. Basically the same names are involved, the same stories are being rehashed with the same outcome.

As of Sunday night we have not revealed any new signings. All I can write is

John Robinson. ex Charlton.

Favourite to sign first. Lennie says

"The player has been on holiday. He didn't get back home until last Friday, the matter is likely to be ongoing over this weekend. But Robinson is an ideal professional and has an excellent character. We would like to sign him if the terms are right."


Gary Doherty. Spurs.

Looks likely to sign this week. Possibly for a fee over £1m. Lennie says

"We are edging forward on certain deals and we are keen to land Gary Doherty. I would hope the lads wages wouldn't be too much of a problem. I know what he's on at Tottenham because I sold him to them from Luton three years ago.

"Doherty might cost us seven figures, but I feel he'd be an asset to Cardiff City. He is a young man who can operate effectively at the back for us, but he also has a proven ability to get forward and score goals."


Carl Robinson. Portsmouth.

Robinson is not wanted by Harry Redknapp so would be allowed to leave Pompey for the Bluebirds. City have expressed an interest, Robinson has said he'd like to come so there's a fair chance we could get two Robinsons in the next week. Lennie has not commented but the player has

"I've heard rumours City are interested in me, but I haven't had any contact from the club at this stage. I still have two years remaining on my Pompey contract and I will be reporting for pre-season training with them this week. But Cardiff are the biggest club in Wales, they are an outfit that are going places.

"I'm 26 years of age now and I want first-team football. Portsmouth signed Tim Sherwood last season and I ended up playing 12 matches on loan at Walsall. I want to cement my place in Mark Hughes' Wales squad and I'd have no fear about doing that while in a Cardiff City shirt."


Fitz Hall. Oldham.

Recognised as a quality young defender. City are reported to have offered £450,000 for the player. Oldham are on the verge of closure and could probably save themselves with City's offer but as the player has not been paid he can leave for free because of a breach of contract if his wages are not honoured. It's likely he could go to the Premiership, Oldham will get nothing and could even cease to exist. No other team has offered more than City with Southampton rumoured to have made a £350,000 bid.

In fairness to the player I'd not like to be in his position. If he comes to us for a fee and so saves Oldahm he'll be forever a hero. If he leaves after a breach of contract on a free and Oldham fold he'll never be welcome again.

With season ticket on general sale from 9am on Monday July 7th I think we can see the signings start. They are the carrot that will be dangled to entice more season ticket holders to Ninian Park for our first season the 1st division for nearly 20 years.

It's been said that 7,200 season tickets have already been sold to existing season ticket holders, members and guests of season ticket holder. Thats an increase on last year. The club are hoping another 7,000 odd can be sold to see the club with upto 15,000 season ticket holders. With away fans taking up a couple of thousand spaces it would only leave 3/4,000 spaces for pre booking and walk up crowds. With teams like West Ham, Notts Forest and Sunderland coming to Ninian Park there will be many sell outs.

Season tickets are at early bird prices for a few weeks. From Aug 1st they reach full price.

So get ready. The first pre season game is in less than 2 weeks time. Signings will start to arrive, heaven forbid we may even see a new shirt for sale in the club shop in time for the new season (but don't blame me if we don't).

Get ready for Division 1. Coming to a football club near you very very soon.